Animals

No person shall permit more than three (3) dogs to be kept in or about any single-family residence or more than two (2) dogs in any single-family unit of any multiple-family housing building within the city.

Most other mammals, birds, fish, insects or reptiles are allowed. The keeping of farm animals and wild and dangerous animals is prohibited. No pet that is considered a health hazard, poisonous or dangerous is allowed. If you have any further questions please call Code Administration at (847)931-5921 or visit the Code Administration webpage.Code Enforcement department

Bluff City Cemetery welcomes annual and perennial plants. Annuals or perennials should be planted approximately 12 inches either in front of or behind, existing markers, EXCEPT in Section 19 where no plantings are allowed. A scale sketch should be provided to the office for awareness during maintenance.

For further information please call the Bluff City Cemetery office at 847-931-6135, or visit Bluff City Cemetery’s webpage. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Other times may be available by appointment. Bluff City Cemetery webpage

Centre of Elgin

The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin IL 60120The Centre of Elgin is the City of Elgin's multipurpose recreation facility. For a tour or more information stop by The Centre of Elgin, call the Fitness Courtesy Desk at (847) 531-7025, or visit The Centre of Elgin's website.

One of The Centre's most elegant features is a spectacular 320 person banquet facility available to the public for weddings, parties, and other special events. The Heritage Ballroom features a catering/teaching kitchen, bar facilities, a portable dance floor, sound system, private entrance, and a coat room. The hallway leading to The Heritage Ballroom features a pictorial progression of the development of Elgin. Other rooms are also available to accommodate smaller gatherings. In addition to the Heritage Ballroom, The Centre offers three conference rooms with multimedia capabilities. To obtain further information or check date availability, contact (847) 531-7047 or email FacilityRentals@cityofelgin.org.The Centre of Elgin webpage

The Centre of Elgin has youth birthday party rental packages for children ages 4-12 years old. All parties include an attendant, a choice of pizza or hot dog meal including pop, popcorn, paper products for the meal, chosen activity or center, a souvenir T-shirt for the birthday child, and a decorated party room. A minimum payment of $165 (Resident Fee) for 12 children is required to book a party, birthday child is free, and additional children can be added for a fee of $13.75 per resident child. Party packages are: Climbing Wall (ages 6-12) , Sports (ages 5-12), Dance Revolution and More (ages 9-14), Games Galore (ages 4-8), Climbing Wall (ages 6-12), Climbing Wall/Pool Combo (ages 6-12) and Pool Party (all ages), Pool and Sports Party (ages 6-12). For information on date availability and prices call 847-531-7000.

The Centre offers various membership packages for the whole family. Annual membership packages include Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Fitness or Aquatic memberships are available as a 3 month option. For more information and fees, please contact the Membership Coordinator at 847-531-7018 or visit The Centre of Elgin website. The Centre of Elgin webpage

The Centre offers a Gold one day pass which includes the fitness center, Centrecise (a womens work out area), Adventure Island Aquatic Center, racquetball, climbing wall, open gym and track. Drop in daily fees are also available for the following services: Adventure Island Aquatic Center, the climbing wall, group fitness classes, open gym, track or babysitting. For more information, contact 847-531-7000 or 847-531-7025. The Centre of Elgin website

The City of Elgin Parks & Recreation Department offers fitness classes throughout the year at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way. Classes are open to citizens of all ages and skill levels and are taught by qualified fitness instructors. There are group classes available periodically for beginner, intermediate, and advanced participants. A wide variety of classes are offered with a professional fitness instructor to help you reach your personal fitness goals. For more information on fitness classes, contact The Centre at 847-531-7025, or visit The Centre of Elgin website.The Centre of Elgin website

The City of Elgin Parks and Recreation Department has a three court gymnasium, a multi-purpose toddler gymnasium, and 2 racquetball courts available for use at The Centre located at 100 Symphony Way. These courts are open during Centre hours, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. After hour rentals are available by reservation only. Participants provide their own equipment; additional rules are posted by the courts. The Parks and Recreation Department offers rentals, tournament and league play, camps, clinics, and lessons. The Centre specializes in large tournament venues. Please consider The Centre for your next tournament. For more information on court rentals or to make racquetball court reservations, contact The Centre by stopping in or calling 847-531-7025. The Centre of Elgin website

General Business Licenses: The city council has adopted an ordinance eliminating the annual general business license fee; however, businesses are still required to annually renew their general business license to provide current, updated information. Information for 2015 renewals will be sent soon.

Other Business Licenses: If your business engages in an activity that requires a specific business license from the city (such as a food establishment license or liquor license), the annual fee for that particular license remains in effect.

**The city is currently accepting payments for 2015 renewals** Call 311 to pay over the phone, or pay online at https://www.cityofelgin.us.com/Click2GovOL/BLREN.jsp

Elections and Voting

Voters can check to see if they are registered within the State of Illinois by visiting the Illinois State Board of Election website.

If you are not registered, voter registration for Cook and Kane Counties is conducted at the Elgin City Clerk's Office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Clerk's Office is located in Room 202 of City Hall, 150 Dexter Court and the Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., (847) 742-2411.

If you have further questions about voter registration, please call the City of Elgin's City Clerk at (847) 931-5660 or visit the Elgin City Clerk's Voter Registration webpage.

All participants can collect their race packet with their bib number and timing chip on Friday May 22nd from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. or on Saturday May 23rd from 6 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. at The Centre Fieldhouse (100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL, 60120).

Elgin has many free parking lots. Free parking lots are available at Symphony& Douglas, Douglas & Highland, Chicago & Spring, Prairie & Fulton and Grove & Kimball.Remember, the City is also served by Metra and Pace.

In order to keep the race competitive and appealing for our runners we do not allow people to walk the 5k or the 10 mile route. Walking for short periods during the run is fine, we just ask that you move to the edge of the track to allow runners to pass you. We also offer the option of the 2 mile walk route.

Yes. You can change your registration from the 10 mile to the 5k race. You can do this in advance by contacting specialevents@cityofelgin.org or on the day of the race by reporting to The Centre Fieldhouse (100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL, 60120). We are unable to refund the difference in price.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer refunds for registrations. If you know of someone who would like to take your place in the race we can assist you with transferring your registration. To do this please contact specialevents@cityofelgin.org.

Yes, there will be water and energy drink stations located on the race and fresh fruit & beverages will be available following the race for participants. You can view the locations of the water stations on the course maps.

All advance registration is taken online. You may sign up at the Centre's front desk using a credit or debit card. There will be ‘in person’ race registration on Friday May 22nd from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and on Saturday May 23rd from 6 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. at The Centre Fieldhouse (100 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL, 60120).

Yes. Trophies are presented to the top three finishers in each race and in each age group. Cash prizes are also awarded to the top three overall finishers in the 5k and 10 mile race. A breakdown of award money can be found here. Race Info/Awards Info

If you register online by April 15th, the 5k fee is $30 and the 10 mile fee is $40. If you register online between April 16th and May 17th, the 5k fee is $35 and the 10 mile fee is $45. If you register in person on May 22nd or 23rd, the 5k fee is $40 and the 10 mile fee is $55.The 2 mile walk is $12 per person or $40 for a group of four.

Forestry

To plant a tree yourself, please complete and return the Tree Planting Permit Application. There is no fee for this permit. After you evaluate your planting site, please select the species you want to plant from Elgin's Recommended Species List. City staff will contact you to discuss the project and help you plant the right tree in the right place. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Land Management Division of the Elgin Public Services Department at 847-931-6069 or email elginpw@cityofelgin.org.Tree Planting Permit Application

All trees planted by the city will be fully mulched and watered at the time of installation. As the recipient of a new tree, you are encouraged to water and provide easy, basic care for the tree for several years after it is planted. If you can, water the tree weekly with about 10 to 15 gallons of water that is applied slowly with a hose or buckets. Watering can be skipped if more than 1 inch of rain falls during the week. (Follow this guideline for three years after the tree has been planted.)

No. There are two large street parking lots, and one parking deck within easy walking distance of The Hemmens. The Civic Center lot, located at the corner of Douglas and Highland Avenues is centered between The Hemmens and many local restaurants.

It depends on the event. For the most part we do have some availability for purchasing at the door the day/night of the performance. It is best to call the Box Office beforehand to verify ticket availability.

Will-Call opens approximately 1¼ hours prior to Hemmens performances. Schedules for rental events will vary. The Box Office opens 2 hours prior to any performance for which The Hemmens is selling tickets. It’s best to call ahead.

Picking up tickets prior to that? Tickets are held at the Box Office until 1¼ hours prior to the performance.

Depending on the number of tickets being held at Will-Call, the lines can be quite long. If you are going to pick up your tickets at Will-Call, we recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance and have your ID and the credit card used for purchase ready.

Yes. A limited number of Sennheiser Infrared Hearing Devices are available to borrow free of charge for use during all performances on a first come, first served basis. Please stop by the Box Office, and have your drivers’ license or state ID with you.

The use of non-professional cameras and recording devices is determined on a per event/performance basis. Non-flash photography is not permitted unless noted the day/night of. Flash photography is not allowed.

There is bar service at all events in the Hemmens Performing Arts Season, (excluding PAYP and Family performances) and Elgin Symphony Orchestra events. For rental events, it is up to individual renters whether they would like to have bar service available.

This varies greatly from event to event. Typically the bar will close after intermission. Usually if there is no intermission, the bar will close 30 – 45 minutes after the beginning of the performance.

Drinks purchased at The Hemmens are typically allowed in during Hemmens sponsored events, but not for rental events. The Elgin Symphony Orchestra does not allow beverages into the theatre. No outside food or beverage permitted.

There is no food service at The Hemmens. However, there are several excellent restaurants within walking distance. Visit the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin for a directory. www.downtownelgin.com

Yes, The Hemmens is available for your next event! The Hemmens can be rented as a whole, or in sections. Inquiries about renting the Theatre, Stage, Lobby and/or Exhibition Hall can be made by calling 847.697.3616 or fill our our rental inquiry form.Hemmens Rental Inquiry Form

The Hemmens has a staff of professionals ready to assist you with your production. Basic lighting and sound design are included in the cost of theatre rental and for a very reasonable fee our Box Office staff can handle your ticketing needs as well as provide ushers for your event

The city encourages downtown visitors and patrons to use on-street parking options.

Unless otherwise marked, all on street parking spaces are limited to 2 hours.

For quicker in-and-out errands there are 30-minute “quick stop” parking spots located throughout Downtown. http://www.cityofelgin.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=15520

Off-Street Parking

The city has made off-street parking more convenient for long-term parking needs. Downtown employees and residents are encouraged to use off-street parking.

City-owned surface lots and decks are now free parking for up to 72 hours with the following exceptions:

Level 1 of the Spring Street parking deck will remain two-hour parking to accommodate that area’s varied needs and high density. The Civic Center Parking Lot will include approximately forty-two 30-minute quick spots near city hall and the post office.

For a map of city-owned parking lots and decks please see the city-owned parking lot map. Unless otherwise signed or noted above, city-owned parking lots and decks allow parking for up to 72 hours.

Overnight Parking

Residents and visitors are permitted to park on-street overnight. However, the city still encourages parking off-street overnight to assist with street maintenance activities.

For More Information

Sign up to receive email updates from the Downtown Neighborhood Assocation on scheduled street maintenance activities as well as emergency and special event parking bans by clicking here.

To receive resident rates, you must reside within the corporate boundaries of the City of Elgin, which means you pay taxes to the City of Elgin. Those who have an Elgin address, but are outside of the city limits, pay taxes to Elgin Township.

Two determining factors of residency are: 1. Do you pay a city water bill? If yes, you live in the City of Elgin and are considered a resident.2. Do you have a fire lane number in your address? If yes, you live in Elgin Township, and are considered a non-resident.

Owning a business, or rental property, in which you do not reside, does not qualify for resident rates.

The Pools will be closed when one of the following conditions exist:1. Thunder or lightning is present.2. Air temperature falls below 68 degrees.3. Low attendance numbers.4. As deemed necessary by the aquatic management staff.

Yes, both the Lords and Wing Park Family Aquatic Centers are available for rental on a first come, first served basis. Private rentals are perfect for any occasion including birthday parties, group outings, and end of the school year parties. Available times vary depending on the day of your rental. If desired, the concession stand can be open for business for a fee. Concession fees includes attendant and 3 pitchers of pop; additional food can be purchased throughout the two hour rental. Reservations and payments must be made at The Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way during normal business hours. Reservations will need to be secured at least 72 hours in advance. For more information on availability and hours, contact The Centre of Elgin at 847-531-7000.

The City of Elgin is proud to have 74 different parks, ranging in size from over 200 acres to less than a quarter acre. These parks include many amenities such as, athletic fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds, aquatic parks, skating parks, a band shell, basketball and tennis courts, a BMX track, a zoo, fishing areas, and natural areas. The city's park system also boasts a number of specialty parks including three quality golf courses, a sports complex, a nature center, an island in the Fox River, and nature preserves.

The Parks and Recreation Department has several picnic shelters available for rent. Two shelters are located at Wing Park, and Lords Park. There is one shelter at Trout Park and one at Grolich Park. To check for available shelters go to our online registration site. Please note that if a shelter has been booked for any time in a given day, that shelter is unavailable for reservations. To reserve a shelter stop in at The Centre of Elgin's Main Courtesy Desk. Facility Availablity

The closing time for all parks is sunset. The opening time for all parks is sunrise. With the exception of on duty city employees, no person shall be present in any park after sunset and prior to the following sunrise, unless participating in an activity authorized or scheduled by the city of Elgin, or for which written permission has been granted by the director of parks and recreation. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to lighted tennis courts, lighted baseball fields or lighted golf course facilities in a park or to individuals traveling to or from such lighted facilities. The closing times for such lighted tennis courts, lighted baseball fields or lighted golf course facilities shall be as determined by the director of parks and recreation and shall be posted at such lighted facilities. With the exception of on duty city employees, no person shall be present at any such lighted facility after the posted closing time.

Thanks to committed volunteers, Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, 28 Brookside Drive, is open for drop-in visits every Friday and Saturday, 10 am - 4pm. Of course, you are free to walk the trails any time between dawn and dusk.

1. Elgin National Little League serves the residents and those attending schools North of Rt. 20; south of I-90; East of the Fox River, and West of Rt. 59. Register at Elgin National Little League website.

2. Elgin Classic Little League serves the residents and those attending schools on the west side of Elgin, Gilberts south of I-90 and parts of school Districts 300 and 301. Register at Elgin Classic Little League website.

Dial 311 (847-931-6001) between the hours of 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday for general information and non-emergency city services like graffiti or a downed tree branch. Or send a request via email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to elgin311@cityofelgin.org

The City does not give sound permits. The guidelines are that sound amplifying equipment shall only occur Sundays through Thursdays between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00am to 11:00 pm. Sound cannot be amplified more than 75 feet from the sound amplification device. For complete guidelines, call the Parks & Recreation office at 847-931-6123.

Permits

BUILDING PERMITSBuilding permits are reviewed and issued through the Department of Code Administration, a division of Community Development. For more information, please visit the Commercial and Residential Permits webpage or call the Community Development Dept. (847) 931-5920. To apply for a permit please visit the Community Development Department at City Hall, 150 Dexter Ct. Elgin, IL 60120.

RESIDENTIAL PERMITSThere are many residential permits including those for accessory structures (sheds, decks, garages etc.), home improvements, mechanical, plumbing and electrical projects. To determine if a permit is required for your project please visit the Commercial and Residential Permits webpage or call the Community Development Dept. (847) 931-5920. To apply for a permit please visit the Community Development Department at City Hall, 150 Dexter Ct. Elgin, IL 60120.

ENGINEERING PERMITSEngineering permits are also required for any projects within the City's public right-of-way or on City owned and maintained infrastructure. Examples include sidewalk, curb and gutter repairs, driveway approach and street cut projects. For more information about engineering permits please visit the Engineering Permit webpage or call the Engineering Dept. (847) 931-5955.

SPECIAL EVENTS PERMITSTo hold a special event, a special event permit must be obtained. For more information and to apply, please visit the Special Events page , email specialevents@cityofelgin.org or call the City of Elgin, Special Event Coordinator at (847) 531-7056 and set up an appointment.

SOLICITOR OR HANDBILL PERMITVendors must apply for a permit to conduct "door-to-door" solicitations. For more information and to apply, go to Solicitor and Handbill Permit page. Or Contact the City of Elgin Finance Department at 847-931-5635

Vehicles that are considered abandoned, including all vehicles in public sight that are inoperable for any reason, can be reported to the Elgin Police Department to be towed. When a car is reported, the Traffic Investigations Unit will make every effort to locate the owner and alert them that their vehicle has been tagged as an abandon vehicle and could be towed if not moved. Owners who are found to be at fault for an abandoned vehicle may lose their driving privileges or vehicle registration. For more information or to report an abandoned vehicle, visit the Elgin Police Department at 151 Douglas Ave, or call them at their non-emergency number 847-289-2700. Parking & Traffic Help

All bicycles that are operated within Elgin are required by city ordinance to be registered with the Elgin Police Department. Registration is free. Registration helps police officers track your bicycle should it be lost, stolen or recovered. To view more information about bike registration, click on the link provided. Bicycle Registration

Child abuse is mistreatment that causes physical, mental, emotional, or sexual anguish to the child. Abuse can come in many forms that are not easy to detect on first observation, and it most often comes at the hands of a parent, guardian, other family member or other trusted family friend. The City of Elgin Police Department is here to help child abuse victims by providing protection service in conjunction with the Department of Children and Family Services and limited counseling services. If you or someone you know is the victim of child abuse, you can anonymously call the DCFS child abuse hotline at 1-800-252-2873. For more information about child abuse assistance, contact the Elgin Police Department located at 151 Douglas Ave. 24 hours a day - seven days a week. The phone number to call is 847- 289-2700. Social Services

The Citizen’s Police Academy is a community program designed to enhance and promote citizen understanding and awareness of the Elgin Police Department and its role in the community. The 24 hour course includes an introduction to the police facility and equipment, the criminal justice system, crime scene investigations, police weapons training, the use of force continuum, traffic stops, drug and DUI enforcement, the surveillance team, investigation, and ride-alongs with a police officer. Citizens who have attended the program in the past say that participation in the program has given them a greater understanding and appreciation of the difficulty a police officer encounters in his daily tasks. This unique program does not induct citizens into the police force; rather, the objective of the course is to provide citizens with a general knowledge of the Elgin Police function. Participants must be at least 18 years old and cannot have a criminal history. Citizens meeting this criteria can register to participate in the program which is held twice annually during the spring and fall. For more information, or to register for the Citizen’s Police Academy, contact the Elgin Police Department Community Relations Division at 151 Douglas Avenue, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, or call them at 847-289-2530. Citizen's Police Academy

The Elgin Police Departments Community Relation/Crime Prevention Division is availble to the general public to provide assistance with past, on-going and future concerning within the Greater Elgin Community. The divison offers program on personal safety, scams, burglary prevention, home security checks, child safety and fingerprinting, C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team Training), police Explorers and many other programs. For more information on programs availble feel free to give us a call at 847-289-2530. Get involved!

The officers in the Crime-Free Housing Unit strive to serve the rental housing community by reducing crime and improving the quality of life. Through a variety of innovative programs, combining both a proactive and reactive approach that focuses on communication, education, and investigation, the unit addresses the needs of the community. This can only be achieved by partnering with the entire rental housing community; the property owners, managers, tenants and neighbors of rental properties. Through this partnership, these goals can successfully be achieved. To learn more about this program please call 847-289-2514. Crime-Free Housing Unit

Crime Prevention assistance for businesses and residences is available in the city of Elgin. The services are provided through the police department's Crime Prevention/Community Relations Division. Brochures that offer several crime prevention tips, ranging from burglary prevention to Neighborhood Watch to identity theft are available at no charge. An Elgin Police Officer/Specialist can conduct a security survey of your business or home to assist in making your location less of a desirable target to the criminal element. The Crime Prevention Officers/Specialist are also available to make various presentations to groups at no charge. To receive the brochures, coordinate a presentation by an Elgin Police Officer or Crime Prevention Specialist speaker, or to schedule a security survey, call the Community Relations/Crime Prevention Division at 847-289-2530. Crime Prevention

To insure the safety of Elgin citizens, especially minors, the Elgin Police Department enforces curfew regulations for children under the age of 17. These regulations make it unlawful for children to loiter, idle, or play unsupervised in parks, playgrounds, vacant lots, or other public places and buildings between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, it is unlawful for children to loiter, idle, or play unsupervised on public highways, throughways, or other right-of-ways, whether on foot or by vehicle, at any time. This law does not apply to a minor accompanied by his or her parent, guardian, or other adult responsible for child care and custody, or in situations where the minor is upon an emergency errand or legitimate business directed by the parent, guardian or adult supervisor. Violation of this ordinance will result in a written "Notice to Appear" to the parents and subsequent violations will result in enforcement of the ordinance, including fines for the child’s parents if they knowingly permit the minor to violate this regulation. For more information about the curfew regulation, or to report a suspected violation of the law, contact the Juvenile Investigative Unit at 847-289-2627. Juvenile Division

The Elgin Police Department treats domestic violence with the same consideration as violence in other enforcement contexts. Officers combine the use of appropriate community services with enforcement of the law. Patrol officers are trained to handle problems and conflicts between family members or acquaintances. There are two Domestic Violence Case Managers available to assist victims. They are responsible for contacting all clients of domestic violence for assistance with referral information, short term counseling, informational needs and education regarding domestic violence. The Elgin police departments domestic violence case managers can be reached Monday through Friday at (847) 289-2644. At any time, the police department can be reached at (847) 289- 2700. The department works in cooperation with the Community Crisis Center, the local domestic violence shelter. The Crisis Center can be reached 24 hours a day at (847) 697-2380. Social Services

Elgin's ordinance prohibits what is commonly known as "door-to-door" solicitations without a permit provided by city staff. Vendors without a permit are prohibited from soliciting invitations or from going upon premises without an invitation for the purpose of soliciting orders. The ordinance does not apply to non-commercial activities. Non-commercial activities mean activities which are political, religious or charitable in nature. The ordinance applies to streets and public buildings, as well as private residences and is enforced on a complaint-basis. Should a person or business be door to door soliciting without a permit, they are subject to fines and/or arrest. If a violation is deemed to have occurred, a summons may be issued to the violating person and/or business. A police officer does not need to be present at the time the alleged violation occurs; however, a complainant's testimony will be required if the matter is prosecuted in Elgin City Court. If a solicitor appears fraudulent or harassing, contact the Elgin Police Department to report the complaint either in person or by calling 847-289-2700.Download an application for a solicitor or handbill permitOrdinance Information

If the situation is an emergency call 9-1-1 immediately. If the situation is not urgent but more informational in nature, you may contact the drug unit at 847-289-2972, the gang unit at 847-289-2646, or you may file your complaint online using this link: File a drug or gang complaint

Elgin police officers are frequently dispatched to false burglar alarm activations. Too many false burglar alarm calls create problems for the department and the alarm user. False burglar alarms interfere with a police officer’s ability to respond to an actual emergency. These types of calls are costly to the city and the alarm user. Your burglar alarm system will appear unreliable if you have too many false burglar alarms. To decrease the number of false burglar alarm activations, the city of Elgin created a False Alarm Reduction Program, which is governed by city ordinance. Alarm users will incur fines for too many false burglar alarms, which are billed by the Elgin Police Department. Each year, every alarm user is allowed four (4) free false burglar alarms. A fine in the amount of one hundred ($100.00) dollars will be imposed on false alarms 5-8. The 9-10th false alarm incurs a fine of two hundred ($200.00) dollars. More than 10 false alarm activations in a calendar year incur a fine in the amount of three hundred ($300.00) dollars. If you do not believe you had a chargeable false burglar alarm, you may contact the Alarm Administrator at (847) 289-2749 or you may send your written correspondence to the Elgin Police Department, Attention Alarm Administrator, 151 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120. False Alarm Program Information

Burglary is a serious crime to which we are all vulnerable. It is however one of the most preventable of crimes. A few simple precautions will greatly reduce the possibility that you will become a victim of this crime. Follow these guidelines to help prevent crime in your home: Make your home look occupied at all times. Leave interior lights on when you go out for the night and utilize exterior lighting or motion sensitive outdoor lighting. Lock your outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Do not allow daily deliveries, such as mail and newspaper, to accumulate. If you are gone, have a neighbor pick up these items for you and arrange to have your lawn cut in the summer and walks cleared in the winter. You should maintain a detailed description and the serial numbers of all appliances, tools, radios, televisions, firearms, and other valuables you own. The police department's website has a link to LeadsOnline, where this information can be stored in a secure environment for future use. Whenever possible, inscribe or label your valuables with your driver's license number. The Elgin Police Department offers programs that provide crime prevention techniques you may implement to help protect you and your home. Police officers can also conduct a security survey of your home to make sure it is safe. For more information about home safety programs, contact the Elgin Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (847)289-2530. Community Relations / Crime Prevention

Owners of vehicles that are considered to be parked illegally, anywhere public or private, in the city of Elgin are subject to fines and penalties. Vehicles parked in fire lanes, intersections, unauthorized parking spots, over sidewalks or other illegal locations will be ticketed. If the vehicle is not moved, or is considered hazardous, it may be towed at the owners expense. For more information, or to report an illegally parked vehicle, contact the Elgin Police Department's non-emergency phone number 847-289-2700. Parking & Traffic Help

If you suspect that someone you know is either missing or has run away, you can file a missing persons report with the Elgin Police Department anytime following the person's disappearance. When you make your report, the police officer or dispatcher will ask for your name, address, and phone number for informational purposes; however, you may choose to remain anonymous. Any information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. An officer will gather pertinent facts about the missing person, such as where and when they were last seen and who they were with. It is always helpful if you can provide a physical description, facial features, the clothing they were last seen wearing before they disappeared, and the ages of the people involved. If a vehicle is involved, a description will be very helpful, including the color, make, model, year, and license plate. Any detail you can remember will greatly assist the police in locating the person or apprehending anyone connected with the disappearance. After you file your report, be as patient as possible while the department investigates the case. Be assured that officers will make every effort to quickly and comprehensively follow up on each situation. For more information, or to file a missing persons report, contact the Elgin Police Department located at 151 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 or call 847-289-2700

The police department issues tickets for moving violations within the city of Elgin. Tickets will indicate the amount of the fine and are payable within ten days of the court date. Most moving violations are payable without a court appearance and you may choose to pay the fine prior to your hearing date. Note that payment of the fine is an admittance of guilt in the offense and cannot be appealed. Fines are payable to the Clerk of Kane County, located at 540 S. Randall Road, St Charles, Il. 60174, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by mail to the address printed on the summons. If the charge on your summons is not pre-payable or if you wish to contest the charge, you must appear in court for an arraignment at the time and place specified on the summons. Failure to appear in court will result in issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest. For more information about moving violations in the City of Elgin, contact the City of Elgin Traffic Investigations main offices, located at 151 Douglas Ave in Elgin between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call them at 847-289-2660.

One of the best ways to prevent crime in residential neighborhoods is to organize a Neighborhood Watch Program. Several neighborhoods in Elgin have organized Neighborhood Watch groups. These neighborhoods continuously enjoy the safety and protection that comes with the program. Neighborhood Watch groups are not difficult to organize. You can pick up information packets from the department's Community Relations/Crime Prevention Division during regular business hours. Share this information with your neighbors. Once you have a commitment from a manageable number of homes, contact theCommunity Relations Division to schedule a start-up meeting. The officer will attend and provide instructions and guidance on how to make your group effective. Neighborhood Watch participants' duties include exchanging information with each other, reporting criminal or suspicious activity to the police and participating in passive neighborhood patrol. We emphasize that Neighborhood Watch participants should never attempt to arrest an offender, but should call the police department. To learn more about Neighborhood Watch call 847-289-2530. Neighborhood Watch Information

The city of Elgin has adopted a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive and annoying sounds. The ordinance varies to include loud music from a motor vehicle, unnecessary noise from a vehicle, amplified noise, power equipment sounds and dogs barking. To receive a brochure that summarizes the ordinance, contact the EPD Community Relations/Crime Prevention Division at 847-289-2530. If you would like to view the ordinance in its entirety, visit www.cityofelgin.org, City Clerk and click into Ordinances. Events or actions may be prohibited if they cause a noise disturbance. Violations are enforced by the department and can result in court appearances and fines. To report a suspected violation, call 847-289-2700. Ordinance Information

The Records Division maintans all records and official reports created and by law makes those reports accessible to the public. Criminal reports, traffic accident reports, missing person reports, police records, and warrants can all be acquired by stopping by in person at the Elgin Police Department. To obtain copies of reports involving criminal acts we require a "Freedom of Information Act" (FOIA) form to be completed. Please be advised that it takes seven (7) working days for the FIOA to be fulfilled. You must present a picture ID, such as a valid driver's license, military ID, or passport, and complete a request for information form. For traffic accident report there is a nominal processing fee of $5.00 for each request. For more information on how you may call 847-289-2575 or visit the police department's webpage. Obtaining Reports

The Engineering Division of the Public Works Department works in cooperation with the Police Department and the Illinois Department of Transportation to ensure that all vehicles traveling on city streets obey posted and standard restrictions regarding vehicle weight. Motor vehicles may not carry more than 12,000 pounds per axle, or a total of more than 80,000 pounds on any street within Elgin. They can carry even less on bridges or other areas where a lower weight limit is posted. The city enforces these regulations through portable weigh stations and other checkpoints that may require all commercial vehicles to stop and be tested. Failure to obey the posted weight limit or stop at a checkpoint may result in heavy fines and penalties. For more information about overweight vehicles, or to report a vehicle that you believe is operating illegally, contact the police department at 847-289-2661, or public works at 847-697-3160 between 7:30 A.M and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. You may also email elginpw@cityofelgin.org.

The police department issues parking citations within the city of Elgin. Tickets will be marked with the amount of the fine and are payable within 21 days of violation. Parking citations are payable without a court appearance; however, payment of the fine is an admittance of guilt to the offense. The fine schedule is as follows, all violations are $20 fines, except for snow routes, which have a fine of $50. Handicapped Violations have a $100 fine. Payments can be made in the following ways: online via the city's website, dropped off in the ticket box in front of City Hall, mailed to the address on the citation, or paid in person at the cashier desk at City Hall, located at 150 Dexter Ct, Elgin, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any questions can directed to the Finance Department at 847-931-5916. Parking & Traffic Help

Self protection means knowing how to avoid being the victim of an attack or robbery by keeping alert for the unexpected and not taking unnecessary chances. It also includes knowing what to do if you are a victim and acting with common sense and cooperating with authorities. The Elgin Police Department has programs in place to help protect yourself from crime. Programs include precautions to take at home, precautions to take while walking or driving a car, sexual assault and robbery prevention, and various other topics of concern. Programs are intended to help you evaluate a crime risk and provide you with skills and information to help reduce the possibility of crime occurring and what to do if you do become a victim. For more information about personal safety programs contact the Crime Prevention Division at (847) 289-2530. Community Relations / Crime Prevention

The police chaplains program was established to provide citizens and police employees with an on-call chaplain who is available 24 hours a day for counseling, consultation, crisis intervention, and other related services. This volunteer program consists of twelve chaplains of varying denominations who serve indefinite terms. Examples of the chaplain's duties include assisting department members and their families, notifying relatives of a citizen's death, assisting with catastrophic events, and giving invocations at various official ceremonies. The program is coordinated by a primary chaplain who is selected by the chief of police. His or her duties include the recruitment and orientation of other chaplains and the scheduling of meetings and training for the other chaplains. For more information, or to express interest in becoming a police chaplain, contact 847-289-2578.

In the event you need the emergency services of the Elgin police or fire department and you live within the city of Elgin, call 911. If you live outside of the city limits, call 847-289-2700.

When you dial 911 for emergency assistance, the dispatcher will answer the phone and ask you questions about the emergency. They are: your name, the address of the emergency, the telephone number you are calling from, a brief description of the emergency such as "an intruder is in my house," or "there is an accident at the intersection of ADDRESS and ADDRESS." Emergency dispatchers agree that remaining calm is the most important thing you can do to help them help you. The telecommunicator will, many times, continue to question you after the appropriate police, fire, EMS units are dispatched. In emergency medical situations, the telecommunicators are trained to provide you with emergency medical information which may be used prior to paramedics arrvial. The questioning does not slow down the emergency response. The telecommunicators ask these questions to help them accurately evaluate your specific situation, ensuring the correct type of equipment and number of personnel are assigned. Any information which may affect officers or firefighter safety is also broadcasted to the responding units. For additional information about Emergency Communications, please stop by the Elgin Police Department located at 151 Douglas Ave, Elgin, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday -Friday or you may call 847-289-2770. Communications Division

The police department is located in the heart of Downtown Elgin. Groups of citizens, students, scouts of all sorts and other organizations can request a tour of the facility. Tour groups learn about the responsibilities of the station, its personnel and the assigned equipment through this walk-through exhibition. The tour can include observations of the Emergency Communications Division, the Holding Facility, and an interactive viewing of a police squad car. Tours are limited to no more than 40 people and the tour information can be tailored to your group's needs and/or ages. Contact Community Relations at 847-289-2530 to schedule your tour. Schedule a Tour

The police department has a wide variety of skilled positions that provide for Elgin's public safety. If you're interested in becoming a police officer, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: be at least 21 years old, possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college, be eligible for a state of Illinois driver's license. There is no minimum or maximum requirement for height and weight. You must be in good health, be of good character and reputation, and must never have been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor. Applicants who meet the above criteria must also pass a series of tests that include both a written, a physical ability test, oral skills exam, a drug screening, a background investigation, a polygraph test, and a psychological profile. If you'd like more information about becoming an Elgin police officer, contact the department located at 151 Douglas Ave, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, email the department at Elgin_PD@cityofelgin.org, or call 847-289-2680. When available, applications may be obtained from the Human Resources Department at City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, or online at the city's website. Human Resources

The Elgin Police Department offers a ride along program in which citizens may ride with a uniformed police officer during regular duty shifts. This program is a great way for citizens to witness firsthand how their law enforcement officials help to keep the community safe. Citizens may ride along twice each year. They may ride for up to four hours each time between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. You may fill out a ride along application at the Elgin Police Department Crime Prevention Division, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please bring a photo ID with you. For more information about this, or other crime prevention programs, please call (847) 289-2530 or visit the police website for more information. Schedule a Ride-Along

Whether you have just purchased a vehicle or have just moved to Elgin from outside of the state or area, you are required by law to have your vehicle titled to you and registered in the state of Illinois and in the city of Elgin. To complete the state title and registration process, you must go to the nearest branch of the Secretary of State immediately after purchasing your vehicle or within 30 days of moving to this state, or 10 days of moving into this area, to fill out the appropriate paperwork and order your Illinois license plates. Costs for these services vary and can be described in full at the Secretary of State offices. The nearest Secretary of State office is located at 595 South State Street in Elgin and their phone number is 847-697-2100.

The police department offers the a Vacation House Watch Program to Elgin residences. Elgin residents may contact the Community Relations Division prior to a vacation or business trip and request that a patrol car make periodic checks of their home while they are away. Simply give the department your name, address, and vacation dates. Be sure to mention what lights you will leave on in the house, what lights you will have set on timers, who to contact in the event something happens while you're away and what security devices you have to protect your home. Officers, when possble, will make periodic checks of your home. For more information, contact the Community Relation Division of the Elgin Police Department at 847-289-2530. Community Relations / Crime Prevention

The police department provides victim services designed to protect victims of crime or abuse who have just cause to feel threatened or in danger in their homes. These services are available from the time that the crime has been committed through the court proceedings regarding the case. While these services are available for anyone who has been the victim of a crime, they are targeted toward women, children, and other victims who are more likely to be in danger by reporting a crime or testifying against a defendant. Victim services include a women's safehouse where women can stay without fear for personal safety, most often after cases of domestic violence and abuse. Witness assistance programs are also available to victims, allowing them to be safe from harm before and after court testimonies, and even providing identification changes when necessary. Other available services include free counseling and medical services, police supervision, assistance gaining restraining orders, and information regarding the availability of restitution for crimes committed. If your home is unsafe due to domestic violence or you are the victim or witness of a crime, contact 9-1-1 if it is an emergency, and 847-289-2686 to learn more about victim services. Social Services

The Elgin Community Crisis Center operates near the downtown area, a women's safehouse designed to assist battered victims who need temporary housing due to an unsafe home situation, the threat of domestic violence, physical protection, or women and children who are homeless for a variety of reasons. The Crisis Center is run by staff and volunteers who are trained to help women heal the psychological and physical scars of abuse or violence. Counseling services are available. For more information, or to arrange a stay at the Crisis Center, please call 847-697-2380. The Center is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Social Services

Railroad Crossings

Last year, the city examined the possibility of initiating the process necessary to create railroad crossing quiet zones for the Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Rail Corporation (NIRC) and Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) corridors in the city. The city’s consultants determined that the cost for creating a quiet zone at each of the three downtown NIRC crossings is approximately $400,000 per crossing with maintenance costs of $10,000 annually thereafter. An engineering study in the amount of approximately $20,000 is also required as a precursor to any design and construction of what is referred to as “four quadrant gate systems.” Similar warning devices may need to constructed for to the UP railroad crossings that would be included within a quiet zone.

Given the $1 million plus cost for implementing the statutorily-mandated railroad crossing improvements necessary to create a quiet zone, the city continues to pursue funding sources to assist in the establishment of quiet zones.

Refuse and Recycling

Refuse and recycling materials must be placed out for collection by 6:00 a.m. the day of your scheduled collection, but not before 5:00 p.m. the day before your pickup. All containers and any materials that were not collected must be removed from the curb by midnight after your scheduled collection.

Collections normally falling on the holidays listed will be rescheduled the first working day following the holiday or on Saturday: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Branch bundles are collected weekly April 1 – November 30 on your scheduled pick-up day. Stickers are not required for bundled brush. All brush must be tied into bundles with biodegradable twine or string in piles not exceeding five feet in length, two feet in diameter and 45 pounds. Branches thicker than 2 inches in diameter will not be collected.Yard Waste

Purple stickers are required to dispose of refuse in excess of the 64 gallon toter and bulky items. Also for yard waste from May 1st thru Sept. 30th. The cost of each sticker is $2.42. To view a list of sticker vendors, click on the link provided. Sticker information

Strategic Plan

Strategic Plans are integral components of organizations wishing to align their policy decisions and operations to achieve a common vision.

City council adopted the Strategic Plan in December 2012. Eight priority areas will be focused on over the next five years:• Public Safety• Neighborhoods• Financial Stewardship• Economic Development• Downtown• Education and Workforce Development• Diverse Workforce• Image and Engagement

Each priority represents an area that the city council wants to focus on over the next five years. All eight priorities were determined in conversations with the city council, city staff, residents, businesses and organizations.

Each priority has a purpose statement to capture the “big picture” of the priority area.

The document considers various long range city planning and financial documents, as well as comments and discussion from city council, city staff, residents, businesses and organizations.

Dr. Gerald Gabris from Northern Illinois University served as facilitator for the strategic planning process. City council convened at a special retreat in February 2012 to discuss the city’s strengths, challenges, opportunities, and a new vision for the future.

Following the retreat, community focus groups and staff interviews were held to discuss the key priority areas.City Council formally adopted the Strategic Plan on December 14, 2012, along with the 2013-2017 Financial Plan and 2013 Budget.

The eight priorities were identified through conversations with city council, city staff, residents, businesses and organizations.

City council convened at a special retreat in February 2012 to discuss the community’s strengths, challenges, opportunities, and a new vision for the future. Themes from the retreat were discussed in great detail during community focus groups and staff interviews.

City Council adopted the Strategic Plan on December 14, 2012. The Plan has already become part of the organization.

In 2013, city departments worked to align their current projects with the Strategic Plan, as well as identified various performance measures. Formal Business Plans will be presented to city council at a special Committee of the Whole on September 25, 2013. These will be adopted with the 2014 budget.

The Strategic Plan Advisory Commission (S-PAC) began meeting in January 2013 to advise city staff and the city council on priorities and policies.

Over the next five years, city services, initiatives and policies will align with the community’s eight priority areas. This will help the city to achieve its vision to become “The City in the Suburbs.”

Departments will update their performance measures on a quarterly basis. The public is welcome to attend the 2014 special Committee of the Whole meetings.

Water

If the pressure is low all over the house, you can call the Water Dept. Meter Division at (847) 931-6162 and they can investigate. If the pressure is low at only a few sinks, you can do some investigating. Remove the aerator from the faucet and inspect for debris that may be obstructing water flow.

The debris may be sediment from your plumbing or it may be pieces of your hot water heater’s dip tube (a plastic rod from the inside of your hot water heater that has been proven defective in certain models. All hot water heaters manufactured between 1993 and 1997 could have faulty dip tubes.) Dip tube debris will be white, gray or light-green tinted granular or eggshell-like particles. Place some of the debris in a small glass of water. If it floats, it’s probably dip tube pieces. This is a hot water heater manufacturing problem and will need to be addressed by a plumber.

If you have questions about this, call the water quality laboratory at (847) 931-6158.

Although adding a water softener is an individual homeowner’s choice, we at the Elgin Water Department feel it is unnecessary. Elgin water has already been softened between a soft to moderately hard level (according to industry standards). Water that is too soft makes it difficult to remove soap from your hands or detergent from your laundry. Water that is softened beyond our treatment process can be aggressive to your plumbing and may cause your plumbing to rust. Hard water can lead to excessive scaling of pipes and water fixtures.

Chlorine is added during the treatment process as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and prevent it from growing in the distribution system. Chlorine is left in the water to maintain disinfection right to your tap. To remove any taste or smell, fill a pitcher full of water and refrigerate overnight. The chlorine content will dissipate.

Normally cloudiness is due to air dissolved in the water. If you fill a glass of water in a clear glass, and the water clears from the bottom up, it is dissolved air. This is a natural phenomenon and is perfectly safe. This occurs more frequently when the water is cold. Watch a video on the water department where cloudiness is specifically addressed. To jump right to that reference, scrub video to the 7:45 mark.

If your cold water appears rusty all of a sudden, it is probably due to a work crew in the area. They may be isolating an area to do emergency repairs, or opening an area hydrant. This stirs up sediments in the water mains.

The rusty water is harmless and will clear up all by itself within a couple hours. Running the water in your faucet will not make this clear faster. If after several hours, or if a rusty condition in your cold water persists, call the water quality laboratory at (847) 931-6158

Yes, we are proud of our facility and enjoy giving tours. We encourage our citizens to schedule a tour and see where their tap water comes from. Please call or email Tina Misicka (misicka_t@cityofelgin.org) at the water quality laboratory (847) 931-6151, to schedule a tour (due to elevated security concerns, the City of Elgin may restrict or cancel tours with little or no notice. Please contact the Department for information).

Are you seeing a pinkish substance on your bathroom fixtures that is very persistent, appearing in the shower, sink, or along the water line of your toilet bowl. When you ask your neighbors, they don’t seem to have the same problem. What is causing this?

The pink residue is the result of naturally occurring airborne bacteria. The bacteria produces a pinkish film, and sometimes a dark gray film, on surfaces that are regularly moist, including toilet bowls, showerheads, sink drains, and tiles. These bacteria thrive on moisture, dust, and phosphates, and are widely distributed, having been found naturally in soil, food, and also in animals. The conditions for the survival of the bacteria are minimal, and they may even feed upon themselves in the absence of other nutrients.

Many times, the pinkish film appears during and after new construction or remodeling activities. The dirt and dust stirred up from the work probably contains the bacteria, once airborne, they seek moist environments to proliferate. Some people have even noted the pink residue in their pet’s water bowl, which causes no apparent harm and can be easily cleaned off. Others have indicated that their experience with this nuisance occurs during a time of year that their windows are open for the majority of the day.

These airborne bacteria can come from any number of naturally occurring sources, and the condition can be further aggravated if customers remove the chlorine from their water by way of an activated carbon filter. In the past this type of bacteria was considered harmless, but more recently some species have been linked to human urinary tract infections, secondary wound infections, and pneumonia.

What to DoShort of buying pink fixtures, the best solution to keep these surfaces free from the bacterial film is continual cleaning. A chlorinous compound is best, but use care with abrasives to avoid scratching the fixtures, which will make them even more susceptible to bacteria. Chlorine bleach can be periodically stirred into the toilet tank and flushed into the bowl itself. As the tank refills, more bleach can be added. Three to five tablespoons of fresh bleach should be all that is necessary.

A toilet cake that contains a disinfectant can keep a residual in the water at all times. The porous walls of a toilet tank can harbor many opportunistic organisms. Cleaning and flushing with chlorine will not necessarily eliminate the problem, but will help to control these bacteria. Keep bathtubs and sinks wiped down and dry to avoid this problem. Using a cleaning solution that contains chlorine will help curtail the onset of the bacteria.

While all water utilities are concerned about the quality of the product they are supplying to their customers, they cannot guarantee water quality once it leaves the pressurized distribution system arid enters the customer’s plumbing. Homeowners’ individual components and the cleanliness of their environment are not part of the utility’s responsibility to provide a safe and aesthetically pleasing product.

Are you seeing black (or red) colored particles or specks coming out of your water faucets? They may be almost microscopic in size, such that the water looks black coming from the faucet, or they may be individual particles that are easily visible in the water stream. When you remove the faucet aerator do you find these particles on the strainer? When you isolate one of these particles on your finger tip do they smear like tar when pinched and rubbed?

The particles are coming from a flexible hose that connects your faucet to the rest of your home plumbing system. These connectors can be identified as the stainless steel braided hose that runs from the local shutoff valve to the attachment at the base of the faucet (see diagram). The stainless steel hose has a liner made from an acetonitril based rubber. The rubber liner can soften and deteriorate in the presence of heated water from your hot water heater. Hot water kept at a temperature above 148.0 degrees will hasten the softening and deterioration of this rubber liner.

The chloramine disinfectant used by The Water Dept. to maintain the safety of the water supply will also soften this type of rubber liner. As the hot water dissolves the liner, particles begin to slough off and are carried away in the water stream. The particles can also show up in the cold water if the seal between the hot and cold water inlets has failed in a mixing type faucet.

What To DoThe City of Elgin Water Department does not recommend the use of this type of flexible connector in your indoor plumbing. The connector should be removed and replaced with standard copper tubing of the appropriate diameter. In the interim until you can get the connectors replaced maintain your hot water heater thermostat at a lower setting.